By just about every standard, it was a disappointing second preseason game for the Raiders.
It was a messy 27-12 loss to the Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium, and there wasn’t much for head coach Antonio Pierce to be excited about after the game.
Here are five outside observations on the game…
The defensive starters didn’t dominate.
Maxx Crosby made a couple plays against the run and Jack Jones had three pass breakups in the first quarter. The Raiders’ run defense wasn’t good again, which is a concern, and Trey Lance looked like a starting quarterback at times.
Does this tweet say more about the Raider defense or their quarterbacks competing for the job?
Speaking of the quarterbacks…
Aidan O’Connell is going to get the job, but he won’t go into the regular season opener with any real momentum.
He played well against the Cowboys, but it was his pick-six that everyone is going to remember. It was a disappointing end to a game that O’Connell should otherwise feel good about.
There were a few bright spots on offense.
Zamir White had 23 yards on five carries and he looks like a running back that is going to be able to wear down defenses.
Tre Tucker is a player the Raiders will want on the field as much as possible. He has made difficult catches look easy in both preseason games and the LASIK eye surgery he had in the offseason has already proved to be a good investment.
D.J. Turner staked his claim as the team’s no. 4 receiver with five receptions. He had a 20-yard touchdown grab in the first preseason game, and it’s been a very good month of August for Turner, who is a lock to make the final roster.
Teams will try to take advantage of Jack Jones’ aggression.
He’s going to break up passes and make interceptions, but occasionally there will be a price to pay for Jones’ aggressive style.
Kind of like a better tackling version of Marcus Peters, Jones is going to look like an All Pro on some snaps and a rookie on others. That was the case on Saturday as Jones was the star of the first quarter, but gave up an easy score in the second half.
Not much from last year’s first-round pick.
Tyree Wilson played a lot of snaps on Sunday night, but recorded only one assisted tackle. He was barely a factor against the Cowboys.
Based on two preseason games, Wilson doesn’t look like a player that’s going to make much of an impact this year. His role might be mostly be on the defensive interior.
x: @raidersbeat
Raider fan since the 60’s. First round record is not good. Some hits and a lot of reaches. Really don’t understand it. He still could be good but why would you invest that much capital in a questionable player. It’s screws in a foot. Even if he is great, the injury could be a problem in his career.
Wilson is a bust. Seventh pick in the first round. At the trade deadline I think in October, I give him his unconditional release.
This is difficult, lots of hope for this season. based on last years finish.
The schedule is brutal. Lots of issues. They need to get it fixed soon, or John Gruden is the next head coach.
I have been a Raider fan since the 60’s. No way hell hell they win more than 7 games. They have back up qbs as their starter. Next year if there is a beast of a qb coming out, they need to go all in and get a qb. Also they need to go to the college ranks for a new HC.
Tyree Wilson is not a starting caliber player. He was a big reach and injured. Sad.
I’m 70 yr.old longtime Raider fan. From Lamonica to Stabler, Madden, Bo, Marcus Allen. This front office just doesn’t seem to get it. They are stuck in mud. They have some talented players, but how can you go into this season with two average QB’s. You don’t win in this league without a above average QB. All the top tier teams have lights out QB’s. With this talent, I don’t see how they can win more than six, seven games. Raider brass needs lessons on how to draft and pick top flight NFL ready players.
Still not understanding how we let Carr go and not have someone as good or better to take his place. To me the real downfall started with hiring McDaniels and ended when we let Carr go. Now we are lost again….